Moraine Park alumnus, Mike Wetzel, is best known as the ‘man behind the scenes’ for many of Fond du Lac’s premier events. As the sous chef for Agnesian HealthCare, his unique and high caliber dishes and appetizers have become recognizable across the city.

Just how did he get where he is today?

“You have to be willing to start at the bottom, to get to the top.”

As a 2011 graduate from the culinary program, Mike’s career path has taken him across the state of Wisconsin.

He has worked in many restaurants, from small and organic to large and conventional, and he even served as an adjunct culinary instructor at Moraine Park for 2 years.

Today, Mike is a lead part in many of Agnesian HealthCare’s events, cooking demos, and outside catering jobs.

While a student at Moraine Park, Mike participated in the student senate and two study abroad trips to Germany. And, it is here, within the walls of Moraine Park, that he met his college sweetheart and wife, Rosanne Wetzel, also a Moraine Park culinary graduate and employee of Agnesian HealthCare as a registered dietitian.

Mike credits his knowledge and ability to grow in the market to the solid education he received at Moraine Park.

“My instructors worked locally in the field, they had direct experience in what they were teaching,” Mike said. “Many of these instructors became my friends far before I ever served as an adjunct instructor. In fact, they all attended my wedding. It meant so much to be supported not only in the classroom but in every aspect of my life.”

His advice for individuals interested in exploring the world of culinary is to set realistic goals, know what you want to get out of your degree and use the resources at Moraine Park to guide you along the way.

So what’s next for this local culinary genius?

A 3-week adventure in Thailand!

“It takes a particular type of person to work in this industry,” Mike said. “I’m realistic about what is next for me, I’m not aiming to be Bobby Flay, but I don’t want to stop learning and exploring either.”

Mike leaves for Thailand on April 7, where he will spend three weeks cooking, eating, exploring, and learning.

“There is a big world out there and I’m ready to keep exploring everything that it has to offer.”

Moraine Park is proud to be a part of Mike’s journey. Interested in sharing your alumni story? We want to know where you are now! Comment below or email khaensgen2@morainepark.edu.